Tuesday 28 June

St Irenaeus

Amos 3:1-8, 4:11-12; Psalm 5: 4b-6, 7, 8; Matthew 8:23-27

A conscientious bishop

Irenaeus lived in the second century and learnt about the faith from St Polycarp who had been taught, in his turn, by John the Apostle. So, Irenaeus could be regarded as a grandchild of the apostles! And his dedication to the teaching of the apostles was clearly evident when he became Bishop of Lyons. He taught vigorously against the false teachings of his day and, eventually, this made of him a martyr. He faithfully handed on what he had received. This is what we are called to do as well.